The Clarisonic Classic system is a battery-powered, rechargeable vibrating brush designed for your face. The brush head of the Clarisonic (and all of the various iterations, such as the Mia) vibrates at exceptionally high speeds (300 oscillations, or back-and-forth movements, every second). The design and timing of this the movement is unique to the brand, unlike spinning, oscillating head models. Why does this matter? A spinning brush head, such as those you can find on many brands selling similar tools, has a greater risk of causing irritation to skin. The question is, is the Clarisonic worth its cost?

First, we should mention that whether a cleansing brush is of value to you or not is a personal choice—but they should be considered splurge products rather than a "must-have". While they can absolutely help cleanse skin, the result isn't fundamentally different from using a soft washcloth with your cleanser or the occasional use of a mild cleansing scrub, if that's your preference.

Those considering the splurge on a cleansing brush should be concerned about the brush's gentleness, durability, and features, as the right combination of those factors can make the investment worth it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what you can expect from the Clarisonic.

Each tool in the Clarisonic range comes with a brush head and charger base, and, as you would expect, every Clarisonic is waterproof. Clarisonic offers multiple models (over a dozen at last count), from the lesser expensive Mia range ($99 and up) to their “high end” Classic Cleansing System and the Smart Profile ($265). The primary difference between each model is size of the tool and the option to adjust cleansing speeds—the Mia range has lesser to no speed adjustment options and the higher-end models offer varying speed choices (depending on the model).

The brush head replacements are universal and will fit any model of Clarisonic, and offer a range of options that vary in length and stiffness—from the ultra soft Luxe heads to the “Deep Clean” alternatives. The shorter and stiffer the brush hairs, the stronger the cleansing experience.

On that note, what of the claims that the Clarisonic cleanses “6 times better” than hands alone? While Clarisonic does provide studies demonstrating the benefits of their cleansing tools on their site, each was conducted from the brand and is neither independent nor third party substantiated research. After all, a washcloth will clean your face much better than hands alone too!

Clarisonic recommends replacing the brush heads every three months, which is generally a good idea. Just like your toothbrush, the hairs will wear down and lose their effectiveness, as well as expose patches of the brush head that can rub against skin and cause irritation. Cleansing the brush heads with a special cleanser isn’t necessary, as you are effectively cleansing it while you cleanse your face. Makeup remnants can easily be rinsed off, or you can simply wash the brush head with your regular cleanser to remove any last traces of foundation, etc.

Bottom line: As mentioned above, cleansing brushes are always a splurge product and never a necessity. However, if you are in the mood to splurge, the Clarisonic is absolutely the best choice due to the quality of the tool, variable brush head choices and warranty availability from the brand. The fact that the Clarisonic is the only cleansing brush that uses the sonic vibration technology (instead of a spin-head brush) also makes it the most gentle on skin—but beware the Deep Cleanse brush heads, which are too harsh for any skin.

We should note that cleansing brushes are iffy in general for those who have conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

Okay so I've been super insecure about my acne ever since the 6th grade, but after using this I feel amazing!! I've never been so confident about my skin. It's so gentle and...Read complete review

Okay so I've been super insecure about my acne ever since the 6th grade, but after using this I feel amazing!! I've never been so confident about my skin. It's so gentle and it cleanses amazingly. I wash my face twice a day but have been slacking lately. My before pic was from February of this year and the after is from July. (Keep in mind it's around that time of month and I'm breaking out) when I started using this, it was halfway through my clear skin journey and as I'm sure you can tell nothing worked until the clarisonic. Couldn't be happier.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

Poor quality product

Whilst I enjoy the effectiveness of this product on my face, the device is poorly made and the customer service is unhelpful.I have had my Mia for 2 years (it was...Read complete review

Whilst I enjoy the effectiveness of this product on my face, the device is poorly made and the customer service is unhelpful.I have had my Mia for 2 years (it was a gift) and it has stopped charging. I contacted customer service to receive a replacement, however as I don't have proof of purchase, I can't obtain a replacement. As mentioned this is a gift.Two or my colleagues have a Clarisonic and both have been faulty. I would not purchase another Clarisonice due to quality of product and customer service

Please, beware that these products, even though they say they have a warranty of 2 or 3 years are not worth the $$$ nor the stress and trouble they bring with them. I don't know how they are going to stay in business much longer!

Bought this product. My dermatologist used this on me for my monthly facials. So I bought one. There must be a huge difference in the professional one and the retail one. The one I bought , there was no rotation on the bristles. No pulsation in the bristles. Just used it manually. The only pulsation or vibration was in the handle when I turned it on.The retailer said I would have to return to the manufacturer. I called the manufacturer , asked several questions, Is The Brush head installed correctly? No resolution. My advice do not buy. Bad investment. Buy a regular exfoliating brush for $20.00 .

Okay so I've been super insecure about my acne ever since the 6th grade, but after using this I feel amazing!! I've never been so confident about my skin. It's so gentle and it cleanses amazingly. I wash my face twice a day but have been slacking lately. My before pic was from February of this year and the after is from July. (Keep in mind it's around that time of month and I'm breaking out) when I started using this, it was halfway through my clear skin journey and as I'm sure you can tell nothing worked until the clarisonic. Couldn't be happier.

My wife's facial unit stopped working about two months after she bought it.She contacted Clarisonic and submitted all the information that they requested. She has been getting the run around ever since. Her emails and phone calls are not returned.

First, to those people who use their Clarisonic sporadically or rarely OR leave it on the charger...I dont and havent had a problem. Use the battery, let the battery wear out and then charge again. I have found with any item, leaving it constantly on the charger OR not re-charging the battery regularly will weaken the battery or lose its ability to charge anymore. Other than that...i love mine. I take it on business trips and use daily...love the constant fresh feel of my skin :)

I have the Mia and have tried several of the brush heads. My skin actually looked worse whilst using the Mia. I believe it was just too harsh for me. I stopped and tried again, but had the same results. The only good thing is that whenever I used it on and around the sides of my nose it seemed to open up my sinuses.

Whilst I enjoy the effectiveness of this product on my face, the device is poorly made and the customer service is unhelpful.I have had my Mia for 2 years (it was a gift) and it has stopped charging. I contacted customer service to receive a replacement, however as I don't have proof of purchase, I can't obtain a replacement. As mentioned this is a gift.Two or my colleagues have a Clarisonic and both have been faulty. I would not purchase another Clarisonice due to quality of product and customer service

Though the Clarisonic Brush is sold as a cleansing device, I use it sparingly. The reason is that I shave and using the Clarisonic Mia is an added layer of exfoliation.I wish that someone had told me that the Clarisonic is an exfoliation tool. I don't think I would have bought it. After using it religiously for about a month everyday, I began to see signs of too much exfoliation (skin had dry patches & was blotchy).I wish I came to here first, I might have ended up using microfibers cloths.

My Mia died today. I haven't used it very much. I've had it about 2 years and 1 brush replacement. It will not take a charge. Just like the sonic toothbrush I had for less than a year. No more unless it's free!!

I got the Clarisonic and thought it was doing some good then recently I have been breaking out constantly on my forehead. I dont have the time and money to keep switching out the brushes I am very very upset with this since I have spent a lot of money on this. Do not purchase if you have sensitive skin.

The brush head of the Clarisonic (and all of the various iterations, such as the Mia) vibrates at exceptionally high speeds (300 oscillations, or back-and-forth movements, every second). The design and timing of this the movement is unique to the brand, unlike spinning, oscillating head models. Why does this matter? A spinning brush head, such as those you can find on many brands selling similar tools, has a greater risk of causing irritation to skin. The question is, is the Clarisonic worth its cost? Does the expense mean you'll get significantly cleaner skin? Is Oprah Winfrey on to something by naming this device one of her favorite things? Read our review of the Clarisonic system to find out!

The Beautypedia and Paula’s Choice Research teams have one mission: To help you find the best products for your skin, whether they’re from Paula’s Choice or another brand. By combining efforts, we’re able to share scientific research and remain committed to the highest standards based on our decades of experience objectively reviewing thousands upon thousands of skincare and makeup formularies in all price ranges.

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The brush head of the Clarisonic (and all of the various iterations, such as the Mia) vibrates at exceptionally high speeds (300 oscillations, or back-and-forth movements, every second). The design and timing of this the movement is unique to the brand, unlike spinning, oscillating head models. Why does this matter? A spinning brush head, such as those you can find on many brands selling similar tools, has a greater risk of causing irritation to skin. The question is, is the Clarisonic worth its cost? Does the expense mean you'll get significantly cleaner skin? Is Oprah Winfrey on to something by naming this device one of her favorite things? Read our review of the Clarisonic system to find out!

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